Are you navigating the S curves in your CXO journey ?

Are you a Leader aspiring to be a CXO? then this article is for you. Congratulations on reaching where you are in your journey. You are now poised to take that leap into the executive level, but as you may know, a corporate career is like a pyramid, and it keeps getting narrower as you move up.

If you think you are ready to become a CXO, check your score with the Global CXO Quiz

Everyone at your level has an education, works hard and is aspiring to get to the next level. So, what is going to separate you from the rest?

You need a partner to guide you in your ascent to reach the pinnacle of your career. Someone who has climbed the corporate ladder and been a CXO himself. Someone who can help you with your blind spots and get you there quicker, so you avoid making mistakes. As a former CXO, professionally certified (ICF-PCC) and John Mattone (coach to Steve Jobs) certified executive coach, I have helped thousands across the world and can help you too.

If you are a leader who wants to earn more and become a CXO faster, then click here to learn about my Global CXO 90-day challenge.

If you are a CXO and would like to explore ways to excel and feel that I can help, kindly book an appointment for a free discovery call.

Navigating the S curves in your CXO journey

In the quest for leadership excellence, understanding the trajectory of your career is essential. As a Global CXO Coach, I often reference the concept of the S-curve to illustrate the phases of career growth and the strategic moves required to ascend to executive roles

The S-Curve Concept Explained: Originally from the field of technology adoption, the S-curve graphically represents the lifecycle of a product from its introduction, growth, and maturity stages. Harvard Business School professor and disruption theory pioneer, Clayton Christensen, adapted the S-curve model to describe the learning and growth path of individuals and organisations. In a career context, the S-curve illustrates the initial learning phase, rapid growth phase, and plateau phase of an individual's career development.

Phases of the Career S-Curve:

1. The Launch Point: The beginning of the curve, where you're acquiring new skills and facing steep learning challenges. Progress feels slow, but perseverance is key.

2. The Fast Growth Phase: As you master the necessary skills, you experience rapid career growth and increased responsibilities. This phase is marked by high engagement and noticeable achievements.

3. The Maturity Plateau: After substantial growth, your learning rate and career progression begin to plateau. While comfortable, staying too long in this phase can lead to stagnation.

Navigating Your Career S-Curve:

• Recognise Your Curve Position: Self-assess to determine which phase of the S-curve you currently inhabit. Are you facing a steep learning curve, in the midst of rapid growth, or approaching a plateau?

• Maximise Each Phase:

• In the Launch Point, focus on skill acquisition and seek feedback to accelerate your learning.

• During the Fast Growth Phase, take on challenges that stretch your capabilities, and seek leadership opportunities to elevate your visibility.

• At the Maturity Plateau, explore lateral moves or new projects to reignite growth or prepare to jump to a new S-curve.

Jumping to a New S-Curve: When you reach the plateau, it's time to consider jumping to a new S-curve to reignite your career growth. This could mean transitioning to a new role, industry, or embarking on an executive path. This jump is critical for those aspiring to CXO positions, as it demonstrates adaptability, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of growth.

Strategies for Successful S-Curve Navigation:

• Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning to stay agile and adapt to new S-curves effectively.

• Networking: Build a robust professional network to gain insights into potential new S-curves and support your transitions.

• Personal Branding: Develop and maintain a strong personal brand that reflects your leadership potential and career aspirations.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Engage with mentors and coaches who can provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement as you navigate your S-curve transitions.

Conclusion: Understanding and strategically navigating your career S-curve is essential for those on the path to becoming CXOs. By recognising which phase of the curve you're in, maximising your growth within each phase, and preparing to jump to new S-curves, you can ensure a dynamic and fulfilling career trajectory that leads to the highest echelons of leadership.

You have 2 choices. If you are someone who would like to move up in your career and are getting overlooked for promotions, you can try and learn on your own whilst wasting a lot of time. Or it’s time to get yourself a strategic Global CXO coach. Someone who has been a CXO in real life and is certified globally (ICF-PCC).

If you are a leader who wants to earn more and become a CXO faster, then click here to know about my Global CXO 90-day challenge.

If you are a CXO and would like to explore areas where we can work together one on one, kindly book an appointment for a free discovery call.